Quantitative evaluation of integrated schistosomiasis control: The example of passive case finding in Ghana

Sake J. De Vlas, Anthony Danso-Appiah, Marieke J. Van Der Werf, Kwabena H. Bosompem, J. Dik F. Habbema

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Passive case finding based on adequate diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic individuals with praziquantel by the health care facilities is a minimum requirement for integrated schistosomiasis control. Two field studies were conducted in Ghana to obtain quantifications about the steps in this process: (1) a study of health-seeking behaviour through interview of individuals with reported schistosomiasis-relared symptoms; (2) a study of the performance of the Ghanaian health system with regard to schistosomiasis case management by presenting clinical scenarios to health workers and collecting information about availability of praziquantel. It appeared that cases of blood in urine (the most typical symptom of Schistosoma haematobium) and blood in stool (the most typical symptom of S. mansoni) have a very small probability of receiving praziquantel (4.4% and 1.4%, respectively) from health facilities. Programmes aimed at making the drug available at all levels of the health care delivery system and encouraging health-seeking behaviour through health education are not likely to increase these probabilities beyond 30%. This is because many cases with blood in urine do not consider it serious enough to seek health care, and blood in stool usually requires (imperfect) diagnostic testing and referral. We therefore conclude that additional control activities, especially for high-risk groups, will remain necessary.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)A16-A21
JournalTropical Medicine and International Health
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ghana
  • Health system
  • Integrated control
  • Passive case finding
  • Schistosomiasis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Quantitative evaluation of integrated schistosomiasis control: The example of passive case finding in Ghana'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this